barbara hepworth

Do the phrases “SVA student” and “crime-fighting” sound like they belong in the same sentence? They should. Levent Cetiner, a young Chelsean had placed a a camera outside his apartment as part of an art project. He was at his computer a few blocks away on Wednesday night when he received an email with images of a burglar trying to make off with thousands of dollars worth of electronics from his home. The burglar was caught and Cetiner got all his gear back. It sounds so badass, now all Cetiner probably needs is a riot shield to hold back the ladies. [CBS]

This year, Hennessey Youngman proved that you really can’t explain Post-structuralism or Relational Aesthetics without dropping the F-bomb. In an interview with Jennifer Sullivan posted yesterday, he attributes his rising star quality to Art Fag City love. It’s true we were out there pretty early on this one, but credit where credit is due: Slacktory‘s meme genius Nick Douglas was our source on this one. [Vimeo]

This week, we saw some disquieting indications of an “epidemic” of metal sculpture thefts in the UK. The loss of Barbara Hepworth’s “Two Forms (Divided Circle)” was likened to the loss of a two-ton Henry Moore sculpture from a few years back. In North Yorkshire, a metal rhinoceros was taken from a college in North Yorkshire. All three are likely to be sold for scrap as metal prices continue to rise. Time to police your lawns people. [Daily Mail]

Congress is entertaining a droite de suite bill that would give artists a percentage of the resale of their work in large auction houses, and nobody seems to think it’s a good idea. Dealers say it will discourage trading, and Freakonomists say it will lower the prices on the initial buy, adversely affecting the careers of artists who are just getting started. [Guardian]

Mr. Brainwash won’t leave us alone. His new exhibition on La Brea Ave resembles a county fair but without the cows, funnel cake, or enjoyment. Explaining the project, the artist told reporters that, “It’s not about selling art, it’s about putting on a show….If I can inspire just one person to follow his dreams, then I will be happy.” Who knew an artist could sound so much like Jessica Simpson? [Culture Monster]